Full text: 1st SONA of President Rodrigo Duterte

2016_0726_rodrigo-duterte

Read here the full text of the first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte:

Kindly sit down. Thank you.

Allow me a little bit of informality at the outset. You would realize that the three guys in the elevated portion of Congress are from Mindanao. So, wala talaga kaming masabi. [applause]

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, members of the Senate, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the members of the House of Representatives, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada, President Arroyo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and justices of Supreme Court, His Excellency Papal Nuncio and members of the diplomatic corps.

We cannot… Well, of course, I have also to greet the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the members of the Cabinet, fellow workers in government, my countrymen.

We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from.

Except maybe extract a lesson or two from its errors we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.

Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly, that those who betrayed the people’s trust shall not go unpunished and they will have their day in Court. [applause] And if the evidence warrants, they will have their day of reckoning too.

When I decided to seek the presidency of this Republic, I knew what the ills of our country were; I knew their causes; and I was briefed on those who caused the causes.

I heard the people on the streets complain that justice had become illusory; that equity and fairness and speedy disposition of cases had deteriorated into hollow concepts fit only for masteral dissertations. It was, and still is, very sad indeed.

As a former prosecutor, I know there always — ways of knowing how fast or how slow cases go. What I did was to look into the number of postponements and the time difference between each postponement and the next setting. It was simple as that. I will appreciate deeply if we all in government attend to this urgent need.

I was determined then as I am now determined and better positioned, to wage war against those who make a mockery of our laws including those who make life for us all miserable.

I wish to assure everyone though that vindictiveness is not in my system. [applause] Just like you and I, all, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for our people. [applause]

But we must have the courage to fight for what we believe in, undeterred by the fear of failing or losing. Indeed, courage knows no limits, cowardice does. [applause]

At this point, there are concerns few I wish to convey to all to the end that as I perforate on facts, figures, plans, programs, and solutions, these concerns will not dissipate or get lost along our way.

Thus to our religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imams let me assure you that while I am a stickler for the principle of separation between church and state, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State. [applause]

During my inauguration last 30 [June] 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today. And that is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars [applause] or below the ground, if they so wish. [applause]

To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President. [applause] I will be with you all the way. Abuse your authority, and there will be a hell to pay, [applause] for you will have become worse than criminality itself.

I order the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activities and illegal activities and prescribe policies on lifestyle checks for PNP members.

In this quest, I will put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency itself. [applause]

The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions of the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. Let me repeat my warning to all: Do not do drugs [applause] because you will be the solution to the drug crisis that has engulfed — malawak — the nation.

We will create an Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders.

The reservists will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation programs being offered by the government. Let us also strengthen our ROTC Program to instill love of country and good citizenship. [applause]

We will also prioritize the rehabilitation of drug users. We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country. [applause] The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparation for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation. [applause]

There can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure and it is our duty to uplift the people’s welfare.

With this, my administration shall be sensitive to the State’s obligations to promote, and protect, fulfill the human rights of our citizens, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable and social justice will be pursued, even as the rule of law shall at all times prevail.

My administration shall implement a human approach to development and governance, as we improve our people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.

Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. [applause] But human rights cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country — your country and my country. [applause]

Meantime, since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the full force of the AFP will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor. The AFP shall enhance its capability to search and engage these rogue and lawless elements.

We have to strengthen our coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnappings in the waters of our neighboring countries. We will strengthen our counter-terrorism programs by amending various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime.

This is our answer to the challenges of the global development’s non-traditional threats, transnational crimes and fanatical terrorism. Addressing global warming shall all will be our top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation. [applause] It must not stymie our industrialization.

We also endeavor to develop and corporate partnerships with nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues.

We will continue to expand cooperation on human assistance, disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism. We shall deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding and cooperation.

With regard to the West Philippine Sea otherwise known as [South] China Sea, we strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes. [applause]

On the aspect of our peace processes relating to our engagement with the international community, the Philippines shall remain committed to work under and with international partners achieving lasting peace and progress in the country.

We will vigorously address the grievances that have been time and again expressed, not only by the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security, development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities.

Enduring peace can only be attained only if we meet these fundamental needs of every man, woman and child. [applause]

To our Muslim brothers, the Moro country, and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF, let me say this:

All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. [applause] We express our willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet we load our guns, fix our sights, pull the trigger. It is both ironic and tragic— and it is endless. While we extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers — kayo the rebels — do the same for the members and fighters. What I see instead are the widows and the orphans. And I feel their pain and grief. And no amount of cash assistance or the number of medals can compensate the loss of a human life. [applause] Sorrow cuts across every stratum of society. It cuts deeply and the pain lasts forever.

That is why, I reach out to you, to all of you today. To our Muslim brothers, let us end the centuries of mistrust and warfare. To the CPP/NPA/NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day.

To immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately. [applause] And call on our Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly.

Let me make this appeal to you: “If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,” so it was said. [applause] I say the same to you today.

We will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before my term ends. That is my goal, that is my dream. [applause]

On the macroeconomic management, my administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better. We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction. By the end of my term, I hope — I hope and pray — to hand over an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position.

On taxation, my administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation. We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates [applause] and relax the bank secrecy laws. [applause] Eh na-Presidente ako eh. Ayaw ko sana makialam dito sa mga ‘to. Alam mo na. Well, anyway. May I continue.

At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families. We shall continue attract investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year —jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce.

Reforms to ensure competitiveness and promote ease of doing business will be mandatory. [applause] Reacting to these needs, the restrictions on the economy will be needed to make more investments to come and to develop labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism shall be pursued.

We must also invest in human capital and ensure equal access to economic opportunities.

The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must be put into full force and effect [applause] so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, [applause] eventually making them more productive members of the labor force.

When employment is not an option, for instance in extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated.

We shall also enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, streamlining investment application process and integration the services of various government offices.

Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs.

In the field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites.

Road development projects shall complement with our thrust to provide modern agriculture, infrastructural by expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the irrigation and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses.

We shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization.

We shall strictly enforce fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards.

On the other hand, we will accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network [applause] and other road network master plans. We shall pursue inter-island linkage projects.

We shall be implementing structural mitigation measures to address of the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas. [applause] We shall put up new pumping stations in strategic places.

The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

This serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.

Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified and, my God, it will be done. [applause] Immediately, immediately.

To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators.

Many in government opine realistically, and I would have to agree, that the worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned. [applause]

Ayaw mo? Okay lang rin. Para makita namin kung gusto ninyong madalian. Alam naman talaga ninyo sagad na lahat, sagad na. Nasa inyo ‘yan. If you give it, fine. If you don’t, we take the longer route, slowly. And tanggapin ko ‘yung pag-mumura ninyo. ‘Wag lang sa malapit. [laughter] Eh ganun talaga eh. You’ve done it. It’s an urgent and immediate situation, solution. Gusto ninyo madali lang, okay. Kapag ayaw naman ninyo, because baka sabihin niyo graft and corruption eh ‘di okay. But I assure you — wala ito sa script — I assure you, this will be a clean government. [applause]

If that is the only worry that you have and I can understand your misgiving. Wala na ito sa… ang haba. [laughter] Wala na ito sa script. You know, ako maka-garantiya, 101 percent it will be clean. The problem is I can only act through agencies and departments. That’s why I urge you na maski konting mali lang, wala akong ano sa inyo, wala na akong politika, wala na. I’m through after this. I just pass on to you the information that, you know… I act through secretaries and… I cannot guarantee their honesty and competence at all times. Cabinet members, yes. Pero yung sa baba — yung procurement, yung magbi-bidding diyan. But as far as I can really — malinis talaga ‘to. At napag-usapan namin sa likod about the federal system.

You know my advice to you is maintain a federal system, a parliament, but be sure to have a president. Huwag… Hindi na ako niyan. [applause] I’m disqualified and by that time I would longer be here. But, I can commit today to the Republic of the Philippines and its people: If you hurry up the federal system of government and you can submit it to the Filipino people by the fourth, fifth year, proseso ‘yan e. You call for a referendum and after that call for a presidential election, I will go. Sibat na ako. But you just have a president. You copy the France system. Huwag mo hayaan yung puro na parliament. Delikado iyon. It takes time even for the… Iyong kagaya ng England noon. There was this bomb, double deck. It took them time really. There’s no one apparatus for a commander-in-chief down. You can have a president you can elect. Maybe Tito Sotto would be the lucky guy at that time. O, ‘di, limitahan mo lang. Ceremonial powers. Power to dissolve, power to accept the resolution or whatever, mandating you this, do that, or ceremonial powers except yung in times of need, if there’s a demand for action. You must have a president. Wala na ako niyan. I said if you can give me that document, I will urge you to conduct a — to order — to order, call for an election the following day, following week. And even if there is still two years, three years I will go. Okay na ako. Do not worry about me. I don’t aim to that much ambition. Eh nanalo ka eh. Hindi ko nga alam bakit nandito ako ngayon. Noon nandoon lang ako o. [applause] Totoo man. Sino man nagsuporta sa inyo sa akin dito? Wala man? [laughter] Not a single congressman. Except for two provinces, governor. ‘Yun lang. Wala akong barangay captain. Wala akong… wala lahat. Pero ngayon [laughter]

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez; Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III; Vice PresidentMaria Leonor Robredo; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno; Former Presidents FidelValdez Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; members of theHouse of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomaticcorps; members of the Cabinet; fellow workers in government; my fellow countrymen.We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not theway. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past orblaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in.Except maybe to extract a lesson or two from its errors, we will not tarry because it isthe future that we are concerned with.Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly, that those who betrayed the people’s trustshall not go unpunished. They will have their day in Court. And if the evidence warrants,they will have their day of reckoning too.When I decided to seek the presidency of this republic, I knew what the ills of ourcountry were; I knew their causes; and I was briefed on who caused the causes.I heard people on the streets complain that justice had become illusory; that equity,fairness and speedy disposition of cases had deteriorated into hollow concepts fit onlyfor masteral dissertations. It was, and still is, very sad indeed.As a former prosecutor, I know that there are ways of knowing how fast or how slowcases go. What I did was to look into the number of postponements and the time difference between each postponement and the next setting. It was as simple as that. I will deeply appreciate if we all in government attend to this immediate need.I was determined then as I am determined and better positioned now, to wage war against those who make a mockery of our laws including those who make life miserable for us all.I wish to assure everyone though that vindictiveness is not in my system. Just like you and all, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for for our people.But we must have the courage to fight for what we believe in, undeterred by the fear of failing or losing. Indeed, courage knows no limits, cowardice does.

At this point, there are a few concerns I wish to convey to all to the end that as I perorate on facts, figures, programs, plans, problems and solutions, these concerns do not dissipate or get lost along our way to governance.Thus to our religious leaders, bishops, priests, pastors, preachers, imams and babaylans, let me assure you that while I am a stickler for the principle of separation between church and state, I believe quite strongly that there should never be separation between God and State. During my inauguration last June 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality, illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today.That is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors,the Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, the last supplier and the last pusher have surrendered or are put, either behind bars or below ground, if they so wish.To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the office of the President. I will be with you all the way.

Abuse your authority,and there will be hell to pay, for you will have become worse than the person you are attempting to arrest or subdue.I order the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal and illegal activities and prescribe policy on lifestyle checks of PNP members nationwide. The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions of the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. We will create an Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders. The reservists and the reserve force will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation programs being offered by the government. Let us also strengthen our ROTC Program to instill love of country and good citizenship.We will also prioritize the rehabilitation of drug users. We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparations for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation.There can be no real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure. It our duty to uplift our people’s welfare.With this, my administration shall be sensitive to the State’s obligations to promote,protect, and fulfill the rights of our citizens, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable. Social justice shall be pursued, even as the rule of law shall prevail at all times. My administration shall implement a human approach to development and governance,as we improve our people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and water, housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture. Human rights must work to uplift human dignity.Meantime, since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, the full force of the AFP will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor. The AFP shall enhance its capability to search and engage these rogue and lawless elements.We have to strengthen our coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnappings in the waters of our neighboring countries. We will strengthen our counter-terrorism programs by amending various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime.This is our answer to the challenges of global development’s non-traditional threats of transnational crimes, fanatical terrorism. Addressing global warming shall also be our top priority, but upon a fair and acceptable equation.We must also endeavor to develop and cultivate partnerships with nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues. We will continue to expand cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism.

We shall deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding, trust and cooperation.With regard to the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines strongly affirms its respect for the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes.On the aspect of our peace processes relating to our engagement with the international community, the Philippines shall remain committed to continue working with our international partners and stakeholders in achieving lasting peace and progress in the country. We will vigorously address the grievances that have been expressed time and again, not only by the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security,development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities.

Enduring peace can be attained only if we meet these fundamental human needs of every man, woman and child. To our Muslim brothers and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF, let me say this: All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, of course, but the peace of the living. We express our willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet we load our guns, fix our sights and pull the trigger. It is both ironic and tragic— and it is endless. While others see and extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers, those on the opposing side do the same as well for their members and fighters. What I see instead are the widows and the orphans. I feel their pain and I grieve. No amount of cash assistance or death benefits or the number of medals can compensate the loss of aloved one. Sorrow cuts across every stratum of society. It cuts deeply and the pain lasts long.That is why, I reach out to all of you today. To our Muslim brothers, let us end these centuries of mistrust and warfare. To the CPP/NPA/NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and bloody skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day.I am now calling on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for a unilateral ceasefire against the National Democratic Front. And I expect the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to respond accordingly. While our search for peace continues, let me make this appeal to you. “If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,” so it was said. I say the same to you today. We will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before my term ends. That is my goal, that is my dream.

On macroeconomic management, my administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better. We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction. By the end of my term, we hope to handover an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, strong dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position. On taxation, my administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation. We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates, relax the bank secrecy laws. At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs of their families. We shall continue to attract investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year—jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce.Reforms to ensure our competitiveness and promote ease of doing business will be mandatory. Relaxing certain constitutional restrictions on the economy will be needed to make us more attractive to foreign investors. Developing labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism shall be pursued.We must also invest in human capital and ensure equal access to economic opportunities. The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must also be put into full force and effect so that couples, especially the poor, have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, eventually making them more productive members of the labor force.When employment is not an option, for instance in extremely rural neighborhoods,entrepreneurship would be advocated. We shall also enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, streamlining investment application process and integrating the services of various government offices.Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs.In the field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads from tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites.

Road development projects shall also complement with our thrust to provide modern agriculture infrastructure by expanding and improving farm-to-market roads,accelerating the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses.We shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization program. We shall strictly enforce fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards.On the other hand, we will accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network and other road network master plans.

We shall also pursue inter-island linkage projects.We shall be implementing structural mitigation measures to address the perennial flooding In Metro Manila and neighboring areas. We shall put up new pumping stations in strategic areas. The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable solution for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila. This serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of illegal terminals shall also be intensified. To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads should be maximized. Thus, there is a need to coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult with various stakeholders, including public transport operators.

Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced while the issuance and distribution of motor vehicle plates at point of sale or through motor vehicle dealers shall be considered. As for driver’s licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current 3-year period to 5 years. To reduce queueing time at ticketing stations, tickets shall be made readily available and easily accessible to the riding public by introducing ticket outlets in malls stalls and stores.

Passenger capacity congestion shall be addressed by increasing the number of running trains from the current 16 trains with a total of 48 cars per hour, to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour; increase train speed from 40kph to 60kph; and reduce headway time from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.Specifically for the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM to absorb more passengers, reduce queuing and to synchronize with the other raillines. The delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest.We shall also pursue rail projects in Metro Manila and major key-points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project, the Davao Mass Transit System, Cebu Mass Transit System, North and South Luzon Railways and Panay Railways project. Different approaches are also being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of general aviation through the development of Sangley. The Clark Airport can be utilized to shift some operations of our domestic and international airlines. Moreover, a one-stop shop should be established within the Clark civil aviation complex for the benefit of Overseas Filipinos.To fully utilize the Clark Airport, it is necessary to establish a road or rail line connecting Clark and Manila.

In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its support role against anti-illegal logging and anti-illegal mining activities and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of our natural resources.The DENR is likewise directed to review all permits granted to mining, logging, and other environmentally sensitive activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards; and if warranted, amend, suspend or revoke permits.The Laguna Lake shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of watershed degradation, land conversion and pollution. The poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements. To have adequate disposal facilities for Metro Manila Garbage, the final closure and rehabilitation of the Carmona Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued while the adoption of appropriate waste-to-energy facilities shall be explored.In the area of governance, there’s a need to streamline and re-engineer government’s efforts in development and security to ensure that resources of the government are spent wisely and the outcomes are felt on the ground even by the smallest person.

To better manage public information, a law should be passed to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation, replacing PTV-4, the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks. Teams from these international news agencies are set to visit the country soon to train people from the government-run channels to observe editorial independence through innovative programs and intelligent treatment and analysis of news reports, as well as developments of national and international significance. The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as Radyo ng Bayan,shall also undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate,independent, and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC. As we are presently setting up a Presidential Communications Satellite Office in Davao City, PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in Visayas and Mindanao.

Davao City will also be the site of the first Muslim channel, to be called Salaam Television, and the first Lumad channel.The PCO shall coordinate with the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Legal Counsel in implementing the recently approved EO on the Freedom of Information. The EO on FOI sets the example on the part of the Executive Branch to make transparency and integrity as yardsticks in government performance, savings and expenses while engaging the public to exercise vigilant participation in government programs and projects.The PCO, in coordination with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is drafting the Administrative Order on the Presidential Task Force against media killings. This government does not condone violence and repression against media. the real media has always been our partner for change. To address backlogs and low prosecutorial effectiveness and efficiency, the investigation and case management processes shall be streamlined including those for illegal drugs and heinous crimes. To eradicate the prevalent cultures of fear and silence that have hounded our justice system, I asked Congress to enact the Whistle blower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened. The number of lawyers and support staff in PAO regional and district offices shall be increased to provide indigents more access to counsel, due process and equal protection of the laws.

At this stage, I have also directed the DILG to undertake nationwide information campaign on federalism in partnerships and various alliances with LGUs and civil society, grassroots and faith-based organizations. On the clamor of our citizens for the timely issuance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards the amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from the current 5 years to 10 years. I have also ordered the DFA to streamline documentary requirements for passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic locations to decongest Metro Manila sites and avoid long queues that have caused hardships and suffering to our passport applicants. I also directed the newly-created DITC to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places including plazas and parks, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports. All government agencies are instructed to enable their clients to submit applications and forms online. The DICT has to coordinate with concerned agencies to make these services available in the National Government Portal.We shall intensify our war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on our migrants. To help ensure that the hard-earned money of our Overseas Filipinos are put into productive use, a mandatory financial education for all migrant families and their communities shall be pursued along with incentives to encourage entrepreneurship among them.I may now also call on Congress to consider drawing up bills consolidating and mergingdisparate agencies and offices all having to do with Overseas Filipinos to have a department that shall focus on and quickly respond to their problems and concerns.We have to effectively address concomitant needs and problems encountered by our overseas citizens in a timely and simplified manner. To help avoid squatter-like conditions in relocation sites, we urge distribution utilities like Meralco and electric coops to exercise their corporate social responsibility by making direct connections to relocation sites and depressed areas.I have directed the concerned regulatory agencies to prioritize the issuance of required permits for power development projects.

To strengthen the delivery of social services, the government will intensify its social protection programs so it can use its resources and expertise to make a dent in the country’s poverty levels. What we want is to genuinely reduce vulnerabilities, build resiliency and empower individuals, families and communities. The beneficiaries of 4Ps shall be made to become independent and self-reliant after they have graduated from the program. We aim to present them with other forms of assistance so they can stand on their feet.I have directed the DSWD to provide rice subsidies to the poorest Filipino families every month.

We are planning to increase spending for basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs. Efforts to reduce the burden of school participation will include continuing the school feeding programs and ensuring the conduciveness of the school facilities and environment to attendance and learning. We will also intensify and expand the Alternative Learning System programs. The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos with improved benefits and cost coverage.The professional competence and operational capabilities of government hospitals and health facilities shall be strengthened.Consistent with our international obligations and in keeping with national mandates, this administration vows to protect women’s rights as human rights. Abuses against our women are unacceptable under my watch.Thus, I order all agencies, oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women.

By doing so, we will ensure that man and woman will truly be partners in the pursuit of the country’s economic, social, cultural and political development. To our Lumad brothers, I have this to say: The government has issued to you Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title covering vast tracts of land especially in the Island of Mindanao. You have the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to protect and assist you. The government has given you the legal tool to improve yourselves financially,economically and socially. Make use of your ancestral domain. Don’t let it remain idle.

While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your own fate, but you do it within constitutional and legal limits.After being devastated .by natural and man-made calamities these past few years, we are still to recover emotionally from the loss of our loved ones, and materially from the loss of our homes and income sources.There are many among us whose emotional wounds are still fresh and painful to the touch. We cannot erase the images of death and destruction from our minds. We cannot wash away the stench of rotting flesh from our noses. And there are many of us who are still waiting for the help that was promised. The enormity of the problem of drug addiction has been made manifest by the number of surrenderees which grows by the hundreds each day that passes. To date, we have 82,000 drug dependents as submitted by the authorities.But we should not despair. Like someone wrote, it is when the night is darkest that dawn breaks. We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven during more difficult times. as in the past, we have to bond and act together. We have to help each other.For then and only then can we truly prevail.And the Filipino, disciplined, informed and involved, shall rise from the rubles of sorrow,apathy, and pain so much so that all the mirrors of the world will reflect the face of a passion that will change this land. Salamat po!

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